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Pakistan Sets Mid-December Final Bidding for PIA as Four Consortia Enter Last-Stage Talks

Lawmakers press for job guarantees, with cabinet approval of a reserve price expected.

Overview

  • The Privatisation Division said negotiations now center on share purchase and shareholders’ agreements after several days of pre-bid meetings.
  • Reserve price approval from the federal cabinet is the next step before opening the final bids.
  • The pre-qualified bidders are Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd, Air Blue, a Lucky Cement–Hub Power–Kohat Cement–Metro Ventures consortium, and an Arif Habib–led group that now includes AKD Group.
  • The National Assembly committee recommended at least five years of job protection for staff and full safeguards for pensioners.
  • Officials told the panel PIA operates 18 aircraft and would need 35–38 additional planes for sustainable operations, with future owners required to retain experienced staff.